2013 WJC Preview: Large, talented forwards lead the way for Czech Republic

A year ago in Alberta, the Czech Republic's U-20 national team was one of the surprises at the 2012 World Junior Championship. After stunning the United States in the preliminary round, the team took on Russia, surviving until overtime when the silver medal squad scored a controversial goal to defeat the Czechs. Besides the team success, Detroit Red Wings goalie prospect Petr Mrázek gained a lot of fans for his celebrations late in the game against the Americans.

Despite the fact that the Czech Republic is one of the countries said to be suffering from an inefficient youth hockey system, the Czechs are actually making strides at every draft.… read more